The function f (x) = - x2 - 9x + 36 shows the relationship between the vertical distance of a diver from a pool's surface f (x), in feet, and the horizontal distance x, in feet, of a diver from the diving board. What is a zero of f (x), and what does it represent?

x = 3; the diver jumps in the pool at 3 feet per second

x = 3; the diver hits the water 3 feet away horizontally from the board

x = 12; the diver hits the water 12 feet horizontally from the board

x = 12; the diver jumps in the pool at 12 feet per second

Question

Mathematics

Ivan Mcguire

21 November, 13:47

The function f (x) = - x2 - 9x + 36 shows the relationship between the vertical distance of a diver from a pool's surface f (x), in feet, and the horizontal distance x, in feet, of a diver from the diving board. What is a zero of f (x), and what does it represent?

x = 3; the diver jumps in the pool at 3 feet per second

x = 3; the diver hits the water 3 feet away horizontally from the board

x = 12; the diver hits the water 12 feet horizontally from the board

x = 12; the diver jumps in the pool at 12 feet per second

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Omari Quinn · Answer 1

Factor your polynomial to find the zero. When you factor that you get x values of - 12 and 3. Because x is a horizontal value representing feet, x = 3 means that he hits the water 3 feet away horizontally from the board. He starts at 36 feet above the pool and has an upwards vertical velocity of 9 feet per second. Your answer, however, is the first choice above.